# Sale of goods and Consumer Rights Act quality terms

> **Key takeaway:** B2B: SGA 1979 ss.13–15 quality terms + UCTA on exclusions. Consumer: CRA 2015 ss.9–11 + tiered remedies. Digital content/services also CRA. Check consumer vs trader status first.

- **Jurisdiction:** England & Wales
- **Practice area:** Commercial
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-08-04
- **Interactive page:** https://kttclegal.info/library/notes/Commercial/sale-of-goods-and-cra
- **Keywords:** sale of goods, Sale of Goods Act 1979, Consumer Rights Act 2015, satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, right to reject, implied terms, consumer remedies

## What is this about?

Contracts for the sale of goods imply statutory quality terms. Business-to-business sales still engage the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended). Consumer contracts for goods, digital content, and services are largely governed by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 with mandatory rights and remedies.

## What is the core rule?

Under SGA 1979, where applicable, goods must correspond with description, be of satisfactory quality, and be fit for particular purpose made known to the seller (ss.13–15), with rules on passing of property and risk. Under CRA 2015, goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described (ss.9–11); consumers have short-term right to reject, repair/replacement, and price reduction/final right to reject tiers. Exclusion of these rights is heavily restricted in consumer contracts and controlled by UCTA in many B2B cases.

## What are the elements or test?

1. Consumer or B2B contract?
2. CRA 2015, SGA 1979, or both interface?
3. Which quality term is breached?
4. Remedies ladder (consumer) or damages/rejection (B2B)?
5. Any valid exclusion/limitation?

## Which authorities matter?

- **Sale of Goods Act 1979, ss.12–15, 17–20** — Core implied terms and property/risk rules for sales of goods.
- **Consumer Rights Act 2015, Parts 1–2** — Consumer goods, digital content, services rights and unfair terms.
- **Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 (B2B exclusions)** — Controls on excluding SGA implied terms in non-consumer deals.

## How does this apply in practice?

Digital content and services have CRA-specific chapters. International sales may engage CISG only if applicable — UK has not adopted CISG. Pair with exemption-clauses note.

## What are common pitfalls?

- Applying CRA remedies to pure B2B contracts
- Assuming 'sold as seen' always excludes satisfactory quality in consumer deals
- Missing time limits on short-term reject rights
- Confusing property passing with risk

## When would a practitioner use this?

Consumer complaints; supply-chain quality disputes; drafting limitation clauses.

## Quick reference

B2B: SGA 1979 ss.13–15 quality terms + UCTA on exclusions. Consumer: CRA 2015 ss.9–11 + tiered remedies. Digital content/services also CRA. Check consumer vs trader status first.

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*Reference material from [KTTC Legal](https://kttclegal.info/), not legal advice. Work product supports instructing solicitors and barristers under their supervision. England & Wales.*